Dalit-minority meet important: Sonia

Thursday 28 December 2006

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday said she hoped the two-day Dalit-Minority International Conference here would provide an effective platform for discussion on issues concerning social justice and economic empowerment of these sections in society.

Stating that these issues were both of national interest and close to her heart, Ms. Gandhi said the conference was important, as it would raise awareness on these issues and encourage a closer involvement of society as a whole in dealing with the problem of inequality and oppression faced by the most vulnerable sections.

"India cannot truly prosper and progress unless these issues are addressed," Ms. Gandhi said in her message to the conference.

She expressed regret that she would not be able to attend it due to prior commitments.